Macro Algae & Corals 25 Gallon Peninsula

[OldRed1]

Despite the usual challenges, I love having this office view everyday. Just wish these corals would grow faster…

 

[OldRed1]

YWG sighting! Wish this fish would come out more often, because it is a joy to see!

 

[JoJosReef]

Funny guy! How's your blenny doing? Mixing well with the clowns?

 

[OldRed1]

Funny guy! How's your blenny doing? Mixing well with the clowns?

Blenny is doing super well! Gets along very nicely with the clowns, neon blue gobies, and the cleaner shrimp. It’s a small fish with a very big personality, what’s not to love!

 

[OldRed1]

Gotta hand it to this shrimp for going after what it wants in life!

 

[Mschmidt]

straight to the source.

 

[JoJosReef]

Pig shrimp. Should just call it like it is!

 

[OldRed1]

I adore these cleaner shrimp. The clowns don’t let the shrimp clean them, but the tail spot blenny is more than happy to sit for a head massage.

 

[OldRed1]

Box crab possibly molting soon? Wouldn’t that be a cool holiday gift to see!

 

[OldRed1]

This is my latest “solution” for making it easy for family to tend to the fish tank while I’m away for a few days. No more guessing about how much to feed!

 

[OldRed1]

Any idea what kind of snail this is?

 

[JoJosReef]

Any idea what kind of snail this is?

Not sure about this one. Kinda like a pyramid snail, but larger than the photos online and a bit longer/slimmer. Have you checked with @LiverockRocks ?

 

[LiverockRocks Verified Sponsor]

Not sure about this one. Kinda like a pyramid snail, but larger than the photos online and a bit longer/slimmer. Have you checked with @LiverockRocks ?

The long thin snails we see are cerith, not seen this shell before but sure is cool!

 

[OldRed1]

So, I’m starting to think that our Calico Box Crab is not getting ready to molt…I think he’s getting ready to mate! I assumed all the digging was to prepare a safe space to molt, but now I wonder if he isn’t carving out an inviting home for a would be female partner. Anyone here familiar with the mating behaviors of this curious crustacean?

 

[Mschmidt]

The long thin snails we see are cerith, not seen this shell before but sure is cool!

Oh hey, my sister-in-law got your rocks (or something. she didn't remember and they haven't come yet.) for me for Christmas!

 

[LiverockRocks Verified Sponsor]

Oh hey, my sister-in-law got your rocks (or something. she didn't remember and they haven't come yet.) for me for Christmas!

Howdy @Mschmidt, your sister-in-law Rocks! DM me and I'll track down the eta.

 

[Mschmidt]

Howdy @Mschmidt, your sister-in-law Rocks! DM me and I'll track down the eta.

Indeed she does. Will do.

 

[OldRed1]

Indeed she does. Will do.

And if you happen to receive a female Calico Box Crab please let me know!! @LiverockRocks I may be setting up a 6-gallon pico tank specifically for the Box Crab. If I do, I’ll keep you posted!

 

[Mschmidt]

And if you happen to receive a female Calico Box Crab please let me know!! @LiverockRocks I may be setting up a 6-gallon pico tank specifically for the Box Crab. If I do, I’ll keep you posted!

that's a good looking crab. how do you tell male from female?

 

[OldRed1]

that's a good looking crab. how do you tell male from female?

You can tell from the underside of the crab’s carapace. Female crabs usually have a more “rounded” pattern on their underside, whereas male crabs tend to have a narrower pattern. Here are a few examples from other crab species to give you a sense:

And an example of Blue Crabs:

The females have a broader, rounder underside since that’s where they hold their clutch of eggs.

Something I am not sure about is whether this pattern holds true for “false” crabs. That would be a neat rabbit hole to explore!